Nicky Shorey thanks Baggies boss Roy Hodgson for axe at West Brom

Recalled West Brom defender Nicky Shorey today praised boss Roy Hodgson for restoring his best form – by wielding the Hawthorns axe.

The former England international believes being dropped by Hodgson for four Premier League games helped him recover from a poor start to the season.

The left-back was recalled in place of Billy Jones for Saturday's 2-1 victory over Bolton and capped an impressive display by crossing for Shane Long's winning goal.

Shorey said: "You're always disappointed to be dropped but I probably wasn't playing as well as I can and once you've been left out you need to work hard in training and bide your time.

"With our gaffer, you know if you put that work in you will get another opportunity, which is good for all the lads to know.

"Sometimes you need a kick up the backside and the gaffer has been urging me to get forward, so I was particularly happy with my performance."

Read the full story in today's Express & Star.